Just picked up a Cooper 220 Swift. I am going to do the basic break in. BUT after the break in I am looking to take the swift to its fullest potential. I have been spending many hours in reloading books for the most zip from the 220 swift. What are your experiences or thoughts.
*SOAP BOX* Please don't tell me about burning out a barrel. If I do that- Great! guess I get a new barrel or even get a new gun. I'll be shooting the swift slow, so not to get the barrel hot to the touch. If I do burn out the barrel, that is okay with me, order a new one. I got to thinking the other day, I am sure there are millions of rifles that sit becauce people are to concerned about 'shooting' them, fearing copper fouling, carbon fouling, killing a barrel. It may be a $250 dollar item or a $5000 item. Then they sit and do nothing, but collect moisture and rust. They are make to shoot, so shoot them. The T.V. will be there when you get back.

I think 4400 was about as fast as I ever shot mine. IIRC, it was with Sisk 36 gr match bullets. I also remember shoting some 45 gr lead-tiped Hornet bullets so fast they vaporized in about 45-60 yards. I never chronographed those for obvious reasons but I doubt they were going much over 3900. Just a very very thin jacket.

The 4400 fps load was very very hot. Cases lasted about 3 firings before the primer pockets went. Unless you're trying to see how much steel plate you can burn through, they won't do much that can't be done at 3900-4000.

a swift is a swift is a swift - ain't nuttin else like it. To load one down just ain't a swift no more............and yes i've burnt out a swift barrel or 2 in my day - had a hellova lot of fun doing it too

First Swift was 53yrs ago,last was 8mos ago.classic load -37.5 gr 4064,55gr whatever.found some 35 yr old loads&they shot.27 in my 40X.killed everything from turtles to deer.youll love it!BEST,kim

The original Swift load used a 48 grain bullet in order to top 4000 fps. While that's nice, the 55gr bullet will provide better downrange trajectory, retain more energy, and be less wind sensative. 3800 is probably a realistic velocity with 55 gr bullets (assuming a 24" or longer barrel). There are lots of powders that will do this for you.

At the same reasonable pressures, a .220 Swift and a .22-250 are going to use up their barrels at about the same rate -- which isn't all that fast. With just a little care and common sense, it will be your grandchildren who are worrying about replacing your Swift's barrel.

The times I've loaded for a Swift - 2 different rifles - I got best results with IMR4064.

As a friend and I always say, you can't have too many Swifts. I currently have 4. All mine love 55gr V Maxes pushed with RL15. Many a yote and PD have met their demise with my Swifts.

You're gonna LOVE your Swift. Always nice to just start at the front and never have to look back.

I've been loading for my Ruger 77V Mark I for around 17 or 18 years. Yep....still on the original barrel. I wish I could tell you I've had great results with "this powder" or "that powder". But the truth is.......I'm shooting the very first load I ever tried. I just trade between 52 gr. Hornadt BTHP Match and 50 gr. Ballistic Tips over a book max load of IMR-3031. The Hornady's will go sub 1/2 MOA 5-shots but aren't worth a darn on vermin...too unpredictable. The Noslers usually run in the .6's and never fail to tear 'chucks nearly in half as far away as you can hit 'em. In the summer the Nosler load will run right around 4080 fps. I've always wanted to try some 35 grainers......just to see how fast they'd go. Just haven't gotten around to it.

Congrats on your swift It is a great cartridge and is pretty easy to load for.
There are so many powders in the medium to slow burn rates that give excellent results it is shocking. I also get my best results with 55 grain bullets. I use H-4831 for 55's which gives me 3750 mv and small groups. With 40's or 50's I really like H-414. I have had 40's up to 4350 fps and 50's over 4000 fps.

If you need any load data just yell.

quote:

Originally posted by Hipster:
If you need any load data just yell.

Ditto.

I'm not much for posting charge weights on the net. But I will PM you my one & only load if you're interested.